Camp teaches good habits

Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Jim Crawfordjcrawford@amarillonet.com

There are a lot of good basketball players in the Panhandle, West Texas A&M University head basketball coach Rick Cooper, said during the final workout at his annual All Star Boys Basketball Camp last week.

"They're all outstanding," he said of the 80-some youngsters going through drills on the court. "We're here for fun and fundamentals. We get a lot of area kids who get a lot of exposure, not only to our program but the university too."

Cooper said his camp usually draws between 80 to 100 campers per session. There are two weeklong sessions during the summer. The longtime Buff coach said the turnout shows a lot of desire on the part of area basketball devotees.

"Yes, it shows desire," he said. "It's hot in here, and it costs a lot of money to come."

Campers can expect a lot of variety in the activities during their stay in Canyon, Cooper said. He and his staff regularly book guest speakers, show videos, run different drills and promote competition scrimmaging and conducting tournaments.

"We try to teach good habits," he said, "fundamentally, emotionally and mentally. My staff is what makes the camp a success."

The camp paid dividends for assistant coach Matt Madison. Cooper introduced him to the parents assembled to watch their child's final workout as a former camper and a four-year Buff player.

"I started coming to camp when I was about 8 years old," Madison, a Childress native, said. "I came every year 'til I was 15. I think the coaches noticed me early on. They (WT) offered me a scholarship out of high school. We won two conference championships while I was here."

"We're here for fun and fundamentals. We get a lot of area kids who get a lot of exposure, not only to our program but the university too."

Rick Cooper

Madison has high praise for his time spent in camp. He credits his camp days with helping him develop into a college - caliber player.

"Yeah, these camps are great," he said. "Most of the coaches are ex-players, and they are here to help. They are a big help."

During drills Cooper and his staff could be heard encouraging their charges to push themselves and look good because their parents were watching. All of the staff was enthusiastic.

"You got all you need to reach your goal," Cooper said. "The rest is up to you."

Matt Thomas, 13, a Crockett Middle School student, said he came to camp for a simple reason. "I just want to get better," he said. "I've learned how to be a better player. The most fun was the games and hanging out with my friends. Coach Cooper is a good coach."

Will Verstuyft, 14, from Hedley, said he came because he thought "it would be exciting. I learned about defense and ball-handling drills. I liked the three-on-three games."

Shawn Shepherd, 14, from Canyon, said he definitely plans to return next year. He said he learned how to shoot and dribble properly, but he said the most important thing he learned was to "listen."

For more information about the camp, contact Cooper at WTAMU, Box 60206, Canyon, TX, 79016 or call 651-2766.